2024 Season

A wreath of thorns as worn by Jesus Christ on The Cross

St Matthew Passion - J. S. Bach

Sun 24 march, 3:00PM

Monash University Performing Arts Centres in conjunction with Polyphonic Voices, The Choir of Trinity College, Australian Boys’ Choir and Melbourne Baroque Orchestra present a unique and ground-breaking performance of J. S. Bach’s masterpiece the St Matthew Passion.

The St Matthew Passion is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Baroque sacred music. Dramatic and powerful, the work portrays the last days of Jesus’s life.

Scored for extensive forces including solo voices, double orchestra and double chorus, it is thought to have been first performed on Good Friday in 1727, and then revised over the coming years. However, it was not until 1829, when a young Felix Mendelssohn staged a performance that sparked a renewed interest in the choral music of Bach, that the St Matthew Passion began to be recognised as such a significant and extraordinary work.

Led by choral orchestral specialist Michael Fulcher, this intimate performance will involve some of Australia’s finest musicians, in the exquisite acoustic of the iconic Alexander Theatre, Monash University. Using period instruments, the vocal and instrumental forces reflect a historically informed performance practice, featuring an authentically transparent sound texture.

Featuring:

Michael Fulcher | CONDUCTOR
Christopher Watson | EVANGELIST
Nicholas Dinopoulos | JESUS
Amy Moore | SOPRANO
Alexander Ritter | ALTO
Andrew Goodwin | TENOR
David Greco | BASS

Polyphonic Voices
The Choir of Trinity College
Australian Boys Choir
Melbourne Baroque Orchestra

Sun 24/03/24, 3:00pm
Alexander Theatre:
The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts
Monash University,
48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton 3800

Handel’s Messiah

thu 21 november, 7:30pm
sun 24 november, 2:30pm

Hallelujah!

Experience the transcendence of Handel’s Messiah in a fresh light, as Melbourne Chamber Orchestra, Polyphonic Voices, and brilliant vocal soloists combine to present this enduring wonder of the Baroque.

Messiah has entranced audiences with its emotional depth and variety since its first performances in Dublin in 1742. Creating moments of breathtaking intensity as well as profound introspection, Messiah takes audiences on an enchanting and unforgettable musical journey.

Performing with a chamber orchestra and chamber choir, we return this music to the transparent, vital and intimate soundworld Handel intended.

Featuring:

Sophie Rowell | mco Artistic director
michael fulcher | conductor
elspeth bawden | soprano
alexander ritter | alto
christopher watson | tenor
nicholas dinopoulos | bass

melbourne chamber orchestra
polyphonic voices

Thu 21/11/24, 7:30pm
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
Melbourne Recital Centre

Sun 24/11/24, 2:30pm
Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
Melbourne Recital Centre